Box Score SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Idaho volleyball season came to a close on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Championship, as No. 6 Idaho (13-18, 9-9 BSC) fell to No. 3 Northern Arizona (21-10, 13-5 BSC) in five sets.
Nikki Ball led the way for Idaho with 18 kills.
Kyra Palmbush finished with 12 kills while hitting .600, and added six blocks.
Idaho got down early but bounced back with a 5-0 run to go up, 7-3. The Vandals would build its lead from there to eventually get up 17-8 before a Lumberjack run cut into the lead to make it 17-13. Idaho stayed strong from there, and took the set 25-19.
The Vandals got up early in the second before the Lumberjacks bounced back to take a 13-11 advantage. Idaho took over to reclaim the lead at 19-18, but the set would eventually come down to some extra volleyball. NAU took a 24-22 lead, before Idaho closed with four straight to take the set, 26-24, and go up 2-0.
The third was close early before the Lumberjacks pulled away. NAU closed well to take the set, 25-18, and extend the match.
The fourth set was close throughout. The Vandals got to within one at 19-18, but the Lumberjacks went on a run from there to take the set, 25-20, and tie the match at two.
NAU jumped out to a quick advantage in the fifth and never looked back, earning the 15-8 win to take the match.
-